“There’s more to being QB-1 than being a talented player,” I answer equally low.
The crowd of onlookers in the stands behind us is bigger today, and the word about a new player on the team has spread through town like wildfire. Everybody’s curious to see what he looks like and how he’ll play—and what I’ll do.
We watch Levi complete pass after pass, even pivoting quickly and running it up the middle when he spots an opening.
Garrett is on his second afternoon working with Buddy on the defensive line, and I’m seeing improvements. Still, they have lapses like this where a hole will open for Levi to charge straight through and look like a superstar.
“Your brother should be on the coaching staff,” Logan says under his breath. “Even when we were just players, he was agreat motivator. He talked a lot of shit, but he also helped a lot of our teammates improve their game.”
“He got it from our dad.” My arms are crossed, and I hold my expression steady.
I don’t want to give anyone in the bleachers any ideas.
“Even Zane has that little Allen kid looking better this week.” Logan lowers his arms, putting his hands on his hips. “You’re a family of coaches.”
Garrett puts his hand on the shoulder of a teenage boy who’s as tall as he is. He gives him a playful shake, pointing to another big boy and telling them what to do. I can hear him saying they have to work together, read each other’s minds.
“But he wants to be sheriff.” It’s as much as I can say.
I can’t say I’d hoped he’d take Buddy’s place when he retired.
“Maybe he’ll outgrow it.” A tease is in Logan’s tone, but I don’t smile.
“I doubt it. You know my brother loves being in the community, talking to people, and knowing everybody’s business.”
Logan huffs a laugh, and we look up to see Levi barely escape a sack by stepping out of a big lineman’s grasp. He pitches the ball to Austin, who’s in the running back spot for now.
My jaw clenches as I watch Allie’s son take it all the way down the field, stiff-arming a cornerback and almost crossing the goal line.
“Damn,” Logan exhales. “That was a sweet play. Those two work well together.”
“Yeah.” I nod, a low growl in my throat. “Austin’s a team player.”
We’ve come a long way in the three years we’ve been working together. I’ve trained him to be my star quarterback. I’d envisioned his senior year, having all the scouts recruiting him, and him landing a deal that takes care of him and his mother.
Now we have two wildcards in the mix—Rip Sinclair and Levi Powell.
“Let’s call it. They’ve done enough for one day.”
Giving his whistle a sharp tweet, Logan waves for the boys to come off the field. They all go straight to the cooler, ripping off helmets and drinking Gatorade or pouring it over their sweaty heads.
Garrett walks over to where Logan is with them on the sidelines, and I walk over as well. The boys straighten, facing me, and I take off my cap.
“Good practice today.” I nod, meeting their eyes, one by one. “I saw a lot of good hustle out there. D-line, you’re coming together. Week two is starting off strong.”
They know I’m right, and I like seeing the satisfaction in their eyes. Football is as much a head game as a physical one. I notice Levi standing a little bit apart, and I make a mental note to work on this.
Even if he is throwing a wrench into my plans, my boys need to come together as a team.
“Thanks to Sheriff Bradford for assisting Coach Outlaw.” The boys clap, and a few of them make cheer noises. “Thanks, bro.”
“Glad to help.” Garrett nods. “You’ve got some good talent out here. It won’t be long before nobody’s getting through that line.”
“Get some rest, and I’ll see you all out here tomorrow, bright and early.”
They turn, walking off the field in the direction of the parking lot. Hanging back, I look over at the rest of my coaching staff, and we’re all a mix of optimistic and concerned.
“Told you he’s a good boy.” George Powell walks up to my side. “He’s your QB-1.”